Archive note: this overview of border rules for Israeli passport holders was published in July 2020, during the Covid period. Nothing below describes current entry rules. For today’s requirements see which countries require a travel authorization.
Where can you fly, and what is the state of the world’s borders for Israeli passport holders? Despite the rise in Covid infections, there are still plenty of Israelis looking to go abroad. Far fewer than usual, of course, but people need or want to travel for family, events and work, and some simply want a trip after this whole period.
Until recently Israel was among the “green” countries, and an agreement on free passage with other green countries was almost signed. In light of the rise in infections, most countries have downgraded us, and the agreement remains frozen for now.
Credit: Dudi Rubinstein, Chul Mehudar.
Open to Israeli passport holders, with conditions
- Cyprus: despite all the talk in May of a free tourism agreement, entry is currently possible only with a negative Covid test taken in the previous 72 hours.
- Greece: as agreed between the Greek prime minister and Netanyahu, the borders are due to open on August 1, depending of course on infection levels.
- Ukraine: you can enter and take a Covid test on landing for about $50. A negative result lets you in.
- Turkey: Turkey has announced free rapid tests for arriving passengers, with entry for those who test negative. Turkish Airlines has said it will resume flights to Israel this week.
- United States: for now, Israeli passport holders can enter without quarantine. It is best to check with an agent whether this covers only direct flights from Israel or short connections through Europe as well.
- Britain: Israelis can enter, but 14 days of quarantine are compulsory.
- Belarus: free entry. There are no restrictions, and you can fly to Minsk without quarantine.
Closed for now
- The European Union: closed to Israeli passports, with no entry even with quarantine. The Scandinavian countries and Switzerland are also still closed.
- Canada: no entry for Israelis and no change expected. Arrivals from the United States are not admitted either.
- The Far East: no entry yet for Israelis to any of the countries in the region.
Before your next trip, check how many months of passport validity you need.
